Falcons lead the flock
TWO familiar faces will lead the Geelong Falcons in 2018 with Sam Walsh and Oscar Brownless announced as cocaptains last night.
The star duo was overwhelmingly voted in by peers as the front of a new look leadership group.
Connor Idun, Ethan Floyd, Ned McHenry and Cooper Cartledge will also have leadership roles, while Jesse Clark and Cooper Stephens are part of an emerging leaders group.
Coach Daniel O’Keefe said Walsh and Brownless were impressive characters.
“Last week had all the club players — 80-plus players — and they voted for four people that best portray our club values of selflessness, resilience and accountability,” O’Keefe said.
“They also chose an allrounder that represents all three. Basically how it turned out was Sam and Oscar getting the same amount of votes.
“I couldn’t be happier and prouder of the two boys that will lead the Geelong Falcons this year. They’re outstanding footballers and leaders with the standards they uphold at the Falcons and in the com- munity as well.”
In a big thumbs up to the emerging leaders group, Walsh and Brownless were both part of it in 2017.
It bodes well for the future of Clark and Stephens as they look to build on their leader- ship qualities this season.
“It’s good for a couple of the bottom age guys to grow with the leadership discussions we have,” O’Keefe said.
The 2017 TAC Cup premiership coach said his players had returned back to training following its five week break.
“In our 2km trials that we did the first week back, all but two players improved on their times from pre-Christmas which is extraordinary,” O’Keefe said.